Can I take Imodium?

[LuSmith]

Hi there..

My doctor seems to think I have an inflammation (because I was passing bloodlike mucus) like my brother (he has UC) after I've had suspected IBS for the past 9 months. He stuck me on antibiotics (oxytetracycline) as he thought it might help the mucus or something, and I'm on my third day.

However I suffer from diarrhea from time to time and today especially my stomach is playing up and wondered if it was possible at all to take imodium even if it is a suspected IBD? I read that you aren't supposed to take imodium if you have colitis or crohns but I could be wrong so I wanted to verify. I've taken it before and its helped slightly..

What is the reason for not being able to take imodium usually?

 

[shazz]

It was one of the first things I was given for the diarrhea.
I was dx with Ulcerative colitis.
I would be careful how much you take though.
I expect someone with lots more knowledge will be along soon.
Wish you well. Let us know how you get on

 

[StarGirrrrl]

It's not something I would recommend for regular, heavy use, but taking them occasionaly when neccessary, I see nothing wrong with.

I'm not knowledgeable about the risks associated with IBD and Immodium, but there are also downsides to not taking them, dehydration, exhaustion/pain with multiple toilet trips, not absorbing nutrients, not being able to go out etc. Just something to consider and weigh up against the risks.

Anti-biotics can give you D though (I always get hit with it the last 2 days of a course) and I don't think taking immodium would guarantee it'd stop.

Perhaps in this case a light, bland diet might be better until things settle down?

 

[LuSmith]

Thanks!

I don't use it very regularly as I only need it when I get a flare-up but I'll keep in mind overusing it.

In any case I'll try not to eat anything too heavy today and see how things go..

I normally find antibiotics disagree with me lately especially as I've been on and off them 7 times over the last 8 months. Terrible! Some of them give me awful tummy cramps, luckily these haven't as of yet, 4 days left to go after this.

If it gets worse will have to consider imodium (seems silly its backfired as the dr prescribed the antibiotic to stop the D/mucus in the first place...)

 

[Jennifer]

My GI prescribed to me Lomotil which is a stronger version of Imodium. What you really want if to have the cause of all the diarrhea figured out but if its just from antibiotics and its short term use then there shouldn't be an issue. If you have gone to the bathroom yet though, don't take another one. That's always been my rule of thumb.

 

[EthanPSU]

Just like others said, I use Imodium on certain occasions, not regularly. If i'm going on a trip or plan on staying with friends for a decent amount of time ill take some Imodium with me to keep me somewhat under control. It is a great help.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

My gi told me to take Imodium daily.